There is a war going on right now. Not just on the front lines in Ukraine. We are all part of a new kind of war – where the weapons aren’t drones, missiles, or guns, but the words we choose and the actions we take. There is a war on people’s minds and behaviour. Hybrid attacks in the form of disinformation are being directed at our people and our society, sowing division even among the closest allies, the warmest friends, and within families themselves. Manipulation wielded through charged words, stirred-up emotions, half-truths, and blatant lies. Behaviour that supports the aggressive and ruthless Russian war machine is being normalised and legitimised through propaganda narratives. As a result, society fractures into ever smaller groups, each trying to craft its own identity, creating the perfect breeding ground for new and deeper rifts in the information space.

This is a new kind of technique, and it demands no less skill than traditional weapons to safeguard ourselves, our communities, our society, and our nation. Strategy? Honest, open and businesslike dialogue. A space where we avoid exaggeration, reject half-truths, and refuse to let any single message be used to divide our society. We avoid half-formed thoughts and empty phrases that not only strip away our authenticity but also the fullness of our ideas and convictions. We do not realise the power of words when we are afraid to argue. But we are experiencing the power of the word, where people are manipulated, and absurd narratives take over the information space. We must not trade with Russia in any way. We must break the chains – those that seek to hold our minds captive to the aggressor, and those that keep us physically bound by economic dependence. Let’s not let war into our homes! Let’s not let war into Latvia!

Our freedom and security begin at an individual level – within the people and environments that shape our daily lives: our families, schools, workplaces, communities, and the groups we identify with. Its strong foundations are historical understanding and self-esteem. And our history is a clear reminder of this. Latvians may be a small nation, but we have shown courage and decisiveness in every challenge and at every defining moment. We have lived through occupation, deportation, and the loss of our country, and we have endured. Not because we were numerous, but because we were determined. The courage to overcome fear is part of our national core. We have never let fear determine our actions, then or now. That’s why today, we must not fear challenges, change, or the uncertainty of the world ahead. Fear will always be there, but courage – the ability to rise above it – is what makes us great. Once we understand the story of how our state was formed, it becomes clear why freedom is not a guarantee, but a mission. The education system strengthens this foundation by fostering critical thinking, collaboration, technological skills, and the ability to navigate information overload. These skills create the invisible safety net of society; a deep, inner conviction about the importance of democratic values. Democracy only lives on if society believes in it. It is an ongoing dialogue between people, society and the state, between different experiences and points of view. It is based on the ability to listen, to reason, and to take responsibility. Participation in elections, interest in current events, and thoughtful debate – these are the everyday pillars upon which our shared democratic space is built.

Economic freedom is another dimension of freedom and security. A strong economy means a strong society. Businesses are not only the engines of our economy – they are security partners, creating jobs, paying taxes, and investing in people, technology and innovation. We, as Latvian entrepreneurs, have also shown that we can think big, act boldly, and stand as equals on the global market. This conviction gives us the basis to invest in people and technology. In the long term, it is the safest investment. One of the key areas for the future is drone technology. Their use is no longer niche – they’ve become a way of life in rescue services, forestry, infrastructure monitoring, construction, agriculture, and more. Managing these devices is a social skill, not just a technical one.

The largest micro-class tactical drone training centre in the Baltics, supported by Latvijas Finieris, is a shining example of what business and society can achieve together. It is a project for the people – a place where knowledge is shared, where fear of technology turns into skill, and where the capacity to defend our country is built.
Our ambition of 50 000 people a year with drone technology skills is not audacious. It is a necessity. Only a well-informed society can stand resilient, respond rapidly, support the country in crises, and protect democracy with confidence instead of fear.

Thus, when businesses invest in skills development, it is not an act of charity but a foundation of national resilience. Businesses that invest in people and education not only help society to prepare for crises but also for opportunities.
Security is not just what you do in times of danger. Security is a daily attitude, clarity of values, self-esteem, and a willingness to learn. Latvia is small, but our strength is huge – our history and our people are proof of that. We are great, not because we are numerous, but because we are brave.
Freedom is not inherited – it’s a mission. And we commit to it day by day.

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvijas Finieris, Uldis Biķis